Seasons for Growth ADULT PROGRAM

An innovative

Australian grief

and loss education

program that uses the

imagery of the seasons

to illustrate the

experience of grief.

It does not provide

counselling or therapy.

What does it do?

Seasons for Growth aims to strengthen the social and

emotional wellbeing of adults who are dealing with significant

life changes by:

• Exploring the impact of the change and loss on

everyday life

• Learning new ways to respond to these changes

Who is it for?

Anyone who is living with the effects of change and loss. Many

factors can cause change such as:

• Friends can come and go

• Loss of someone or something you love

• Parents and families separate

• Moving to a new place

• Impact of illness

• Family work-life changes

Change affects everyone differently, as does grief. It’s the

impact of the change, not the event itself that Seasons for

Growth focuses on.

We suggest that anyone affected by bereavement wait 6-12

months before participating in a Seasons for Growth program.

www.goodgrief.org.au

How does it work?Seasons for Growth is a small group program that combines psychology and education with peer support, within a person centred learning approach. It uses the metaphor of the seasons to explore the cyclic nature of grief, and is underpinned by William Worden’s tasks of grieving.

Seasons for Growth normalises participants’ experiences, and can increase protective factors (including building personal resilience and social skills) while minimising some risk factors (including isolation) that influence mental health and wellbeing. The program also supports the development of communication, decision making and problem solving skills.

How is it delivered?Run over 4-8 sessions, Exploring the Seasons of Grief is a small group (4-7 participants) grief and loss program.

The Understanding Change, Loss and Grief 3 hours Seminar is designed for use in a wide variety of contexts with up to 25 participants, where groups and individuals are seeking to deepen their general understanding of change, loss and grief.

Trained ‘Companions’ facilitate either/both elements of the Seasons for Growth adult program. Companions may be agency staff, endorsed volunteers or other suitable adults who undertake a two-day training workshop and subsequent accreditation with Good Grief.

OutcomesSeasons for Growth provides the support and space to:

• Learn about how different people respond to change, loss and grief• Understand that it is normal to experience a range of grief reactions• Explore new approaches to dealing with change, loss and grief in their lives• Build communication, decision making and problem solving skills• Participate in a supportive network of peers and adults• Integrate their new learning into their relationships with family, friends and others

EvidenceSeasons for Growth has been evaluation on a number of occasions with the following conclusions:

The University of Melbourne, 2005“Reduces participants’ isolation and develops their concern for other people”

Department of Health and Ageing, 2008“The content and structure of the program is professional, well designed and well executed to deliver fundemental and positive change.”

University of Central Queensland, 2008“The systematic progression through the program was therapeutic... indviduals felt more in control of their own lives and their responses to situations, thus buidling resilience.”

Mental Health Association NSW, 2010“Participants achieved increased knowledge, skills and understanding about change, loss and grief and tools to help manage both current and past issues.”